Luxury List: The Porsche Carrera GT

Preceded by the Porsche 911 GT1 and succeeded by the Porsche GT1, you will find the Porsche Carrera GT.  This supercar hit a production run in 2004 that ended in 2006.  Yes, for a delivery charge of just $5,000, a Porsche Carrera GT would have been delivered right to your door. Now you can see why Imagine Lifestyles added this to the biggest luxury list on the web. 

That really isn’t too steep for a luxury car that sold for an MSRP of around $440,000 USD.  Tack on a dealer invoice of around $14,800, and the Porsche Carrera GT boasted a price tag of around $421,000.  Nice.  So what went wrong? 

The original production run called for around 1,500 of the Carrera GT models to emerge onto the market, but Porsche announced in 2005 that production of the supercar would come to a screeching halt, citing a change in U.S. airbag regulations.  Lame.  So as of May 6, 2006, 1,270 Carrera GT’s had been manufactured, with a mere 604 sold to the United States.  I am assuming the cost to convert the design plan and budget of the Carrera GT to conform to the new airbag regulations was deemed excessive. 

Getting down to specs, the Porsche Carrera GT is powered by a 5.7-liter V10 engine kicking out 605 horsepower.  This is in stark contrast to the original concept Carrera GT, which featured a 5.5-liter version Porsche Carrera GT Supercarwith 558 horses.  The Carrera GT hits the 0-60 mark in around 3.5 seconds with a top speed of 205 miles per hour.   A six speed manual transmission was the only option, which makes it a driving enthusiast’s choice.
 

As far as aesthetics, this luxury Porsche came in five basic colors:

•    Guards red
•    Fayence yellow
•    Basalt black
•    GT silver
•    Seal grey

Owners could custom order colors from the factory.  The Carrera GT features oversized side inlets and air dams to cool the larger sized V10 engine, framed by a carbon fiber rear bonnet.  So how do you stop a supercar that powerful?  With carbon fiber reinforced Silicon Carbide ceramic composite brakes, of course.  The brakes are ridiculously effective and equally attractive.  To show off, a rear wing spoiler deploys at speeds of around 70 miles per hour.  Wouldn’t this be a perfect car to add to our fleet of Miami luxury rental cars or our every growing amount of Chicago exotic rental cars?

The interior of the Porsche Carrera GT is predictably plush, with soft leather, Bose audio system, navigation system and other luxe options.  I will close with a fun fact:  the ignition is located to the left of the steering column, paying homage to the early days of Le Mans racing when drivers where required to make a running start, hop into their cars, start them and race.  That way, the driver could start the Porsche with one hand, and put it into gear with the other.  Awesome.
 

 

Don’t miss our Porsche rentals and other luxury car rentals on your way out!

 

 

 

 

Post by Imagine Lifestyles Luxury Rentals
 

[…]

Read More…

[…]

Read More… from Luxury List: The Porsche Carrera GT

What the Hell? A Four-Door Ferrari?

As outlandish at it seems, four-door luxury coupes are timidly emerging as an increasing market niche.  Previously a miniscule sector of the automotive market, luxury cars like the Mercedes CLS were among the pioneers that began pushing the four-door sedan to the forefront.  So who is following suit?  Ferrari?  Really?

Four Door Ferrari CoupeYes, in the wake of commercial success by the Mercedes CLS and a few brave souls, indications show that the Prancing Horses are prepping to add additional entrances and exits.  Previously ruled out in the past, rumors are running wild that the luxury carmaker is having a change of heart.

Plans for the four-door Ferrari are based on the replacement for the 612 Scaglietti, which is scheduled to emerge onto the market in 2012.  The 2012 Scaglietti will boast the company’s first hybrid system, but will feature only two doors.  Imagine a Ferrari that features both four doors and a hybrid powertrain, a first for both endeavors.  The future looks green and roomy for this luxe car company.  This is a perfect vehicle to add to a fleet of Miami exotic rental cars.

[…]

Read More…

[…]

Read More… from What the Hell? A Four-Door Ferrari?

The Masteretta MXT-A Supercar for $40,000?

The Masteretta MXT is a making headlines as the first high performance sports car to be entirely produced by Mexican carmaker Masteretta.  The MXT has been completely designed and produced in Mexico and is touted as the very first Mexican made supercar. It is so close to ‘Maserati’ but they are two different luxury carmakers.  Oh, and a Maserati is about 3 times more expensive!

Production will begin in 2011 for the MXT Masteretta.  Pricing is on the lower end at around $38,000 USD, so put your order in now!  I find the MXT to be physically attractive, but what is inside counts, too, so leMasteretta MXT Supercar Mexicot’s get down to specs.

The Masteretta MXT is a mid-size sports car bursting with design flair and packing a 2.0-liter turbocharged Duratec engine with 240 bhp.  This supercar hits the 0-60 mark in under 5 seconds with a top speed of 150 miles per hour.   I suppose it helps being a lightweight two-seater weighing just 900 kg!

The MXT supercar is constructed from bonded aluminum with a semi-monocoque chassis and features aircraft style technology.  Customers who place orders now will be able to register their cars in May of next year, and production is limited to 80 cars the first year. Not sure if this car will qualify as a Miami luxury rental car but I would still agree that this a great sports car for any car enthusiast.

[…]

Read More…

[…]

Read More… from The Masteretta MXT-A Supercar for $40,000?

Man in Van hits Tom Brady’s Sedan, Injures Passenger

A 21-year-old must have felt he could not tackle New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady on his own, so he plowed into him with his minivan.  Ok, in reality the 21-year-old Brockton man ran a red light and nailed a sedan driven by Brady in Boston’s Back Bay section early in the morning.  Not a good day to be him.Tom Bradys Audi S8 Tom Brady

The man, Ludgero Rodrigues was cited based on witness statements, after his claim that the light was green when his Mercury Villager van collided with the sports superstar’s sedan.  Rodrigues’s rear passenger had to be removed via cutting off the minivan’s roof and was transported to Brigham and Women’s Hospital in serious condition, according to police. 

[…]

Read More…

[…]

Read More… from Man in Van hits Tom Brady’s Sedan, Injures Passenger

Luxury Rental of the Week: Chicago’s Mercedes S550

Luxury Rental of the Week:  Mercedes Benz S550 4-Matic

The newest S550 was introduced in 2007 and is a tremendous improvement upon the previous model.  The Mercedes S550 luxury rental car is incredibly spacious.  There is a substantial amount of legroom for rear seat passengers, and the car is wide and incredibly comfortable.  It boasts a Mercedes S550 Luxury Rental Car382 horsepower 5.5L V-8 engine and is incredibly fast.  However, it doesn’t offer the jerky off the line feel of many fast luxury or exotic cars; it’s as smooth as silk.  Because the S550 is just shy of 5,000 lbs, and has an advanced suspension system, it feels as if you’re floating, even while reaching top speeds. 

[…]

Read More…

[…]

Read More… from Luxury Rental of the Week: Chicago’s Mercedes S550

Luxury Rental of the Week

 Luxury Rental of the Week: Cadillac Escalade ESV

Cadillac Escalade ESV Ever get sick of waiting in a cab line after a long day of traveling?  Frustrated after you land and your rental car does not have enough room for luggage?  Want to never have to deal with these issues again when flying into Chicago?  Imagine Lifestyles Chicago has the solution to all of your problems with this weeks’ luxury rental of the week.  The Cadillac Escalade ESV rental will eliminate all of your travel headaches next time you land into O’Hare or Midway.  Allowing for extra room for passengers and baggage, the ESV is guaranteed to provide ample space for all of your needs.

[…]

Read More…

[…]

Read More… from Luxury Rental of the Week

Lamborghini and Audi Race in Austria-Illegally

Two wannabe racecar drivers are likely not happy these days in Austria.  It seems the drivers of a Lamborghini and an Audi (models not mentioned) opted to transform the regular highways into their own personal racetracks, hitting speeds of up to 170 miles per hour before police broke up their street race.  It seems they were only legends in their own minds, or completely out of them.

The Lambo was clocked at 274 kph, or 170 mph, and the Audi was tugging along at an impressive 233 kph, or144 mph.  Unfortunately for the two Steve Nash’s, the local law enforcement officers were not impressed, and stopped them near the A1 western motorway’s Steinhäusl exit, following an 80 kilometer (49 mile) chase. 

[…]

Read More…

[…]

Read More… from Lamborghini and Audi Race in Austria-Illegally

Performance & Design Build the Bentley GT

2010 Bentley Continental GT SupercarThe classic Bentley began its reign as a supercar by dominating Le Mans in the 1920s and 1930s, followed by the mold-breaking release of the Continental R-Type in the 1950s.  These successes were followed up with the revolutionary Bentley Continental GT that made its luxurious debut in 2003.

The Bentley GT has since undergone some tweaks and improvements, and continues to attract luxury car enthusiasts with its supercar performance, classic design cues, craftsmanship and everyday usability.  Many exotic and luxury rental cars are not intended for daily use, but the Bentley GT is fine for it.  In fact, unlike say a Ferrari or Lamborghini, a Bentley GT is suitable for long distance driving.  This is a unique capacity for a supercar!  This GT competes with the elegance and performance of a Mercedes, and may even be a bit more attractive.  Sorry Mercedes, we still love you, too, but did you scope the rear end on that Bentley? 

[…]

Read More…

[…]

Read More… from Performance & Design Build the Bentley GT

Ask Imagine: We Like to Party

Dear Imagine Lifestyles,

I love your blog and your style!  I will be jetting down to South Beach for Halloween with a group of friends to hit the scene.  Can you tell us what the current hot spots are, nightclubs and where the celebs frequent?  We really want to get hype and go all out this year and money is not an issue.
 

 

Thanks,

Tyrone, New York, NY
Imagine Lifestyles Luxury Rentals South Beach

 

 

[…]

Read More…

[…]

Read More… from Ask Imagine: We Like to Party

Aston Martin Rolls with the Punches

Most do not typically associate the Aston Martin brand with luxury SUV, yet that seemed to be in their radar in 2009 when they brought back the Lagonda brand in the form of an SUV concept.  An Aston Martin SUV?  What do you think happened?  The world said ‘no thanks’. 

Yes, by 2010 Aston Martin made the executive decision to stop that one in its tracks.  Personally, I like the concept, it looks like a luxury SUV, yet still boasts the traditional Aston appearance.  It seems the Aston Martin Rapide is destined to be the anomaly of the brand, being the solitary non-sports supercar.  The Aston Lagonda debut was an industry fizzle, to say the least, so best the brand focus on what it does best and that is blow minds with diminutive super sports cars.  But wait, what is that rumor?  Aston is creating a Lagonda version of the Rapide sedan?  Is the Rapide ok with this? 

[…]

Read More…

[…]

Read More… from Aston Martin Rolls with the Punches